U.S. patent application number 11/809601 was filed with the patent office on 2008-12-04 for adjustable fastener for clothing.
This patent application is currently assigned to James Gardner. Invention is credited to James Gardner.
Application Number | 20080295304 11/809601 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40086533 |
Filed Date | 2008-12-04 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080295304 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gardner; James |
December 4, 2008 |
Adjustable fastener for clothing
Abstract
An adjustable fastener includes a male part and a female part,
both of which are preferably made of soft pliable, sewable plastic.
The female fastener part preferably has two or more spaced apart
openings. Each having a broad portion and a narrow portion. The
male fastener part has a base with an upstanding riser with a
flange at the end of the riser. The female fastener part is made of
a single thin wall which is sewn to the fabric of the garment. The
base of the male part is also made of a single thin wall which is
sewn to the fabric of the garment. The single wall construction of
the female fastener part makes it more flexible, less easily seen,
and not felt so much by the wearer. The female fastener part is
provided with a bend between the openings so that it lies flat
against the back when the male and female parts are coupled to the
tightest position. The center of the riser of the male part is
offset from the center of the flange. This allows the flange to be
made larger and the narrow portion of each opening in the female
part to be made smaller.
Inventors: |
Gardner; James; (Goldens
Bridge, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Thomas M. Galgano, Esq.;GALGANO & ASSOCIATES, PLLC
Suite 204, 20 West Park Avenue
Long Beach
NY
11561
US
|
Assignee: |
Gardner; James
|
Family ID: |
40086533 |
Appl. No.: |
11/809601 |
Filed: |
June 1, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
24/702 ;
450/14 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 24/45042 20150115;
Y10T 24/45262 20150115; Y10T 24/45094 20150115; Y10T 24/45052
20150115; Y10T 24/45958 20150115; Y10T 24/45995 20150115; Y10T
24/4522 20150115; A41F 1/006 20130101; Y10T 24/45963 20150115; A41B
2300/326 20130101; Y10S 24/51 20130101; A44B 11/2584 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
24/702 ;
450/14 |
International
Class: |
A44B 11/25 20060101
A44B011/25; A41C 3/12 20060101 A41C003/12; A44B 19/00 20060101
A44B019/00 |
Claims
1. An adjustable fastener for an article of clothing, said fastener
comprising: a) a male part having a base, a riser extending from
said base, and a flange extending from the riser, said flange and
said base having substantially collinear center lines and said
riser having a center line which is laterally offset from said
substantially collinear center lines; and b) a female part having a
plurality of spaced apart openings, each opening having a broad
portion and a narrow portion, wherein said flange is dimensioned to
pass through said broad portion but not said narrow portion and
said riser is dimensioned to slide into said narrow portion.
2. An adjustable fastener as claimed in claim 1, wherein: said
female part consists of a single ply of plastic.
3. An adjustable fastener as claimed in claim 1, wherein: said
broad portion is substantially oblate circular in shape, and said
flange is substantially oblate circular in shape.
4. An adjustable fastener as claimed in claim 1, wherein: said
female part has a center fold.
5. An adjustable fastener as claimed in claim 1, wherein: said
flange has an inner ramp.
6. An adjustable fastener as claimed in claim 1, wherein: said
flange has an inner nub.
7. An adjustable fastener as claimed in claim 6, wherein: said
female part has a groove adjacent each narrow portion.
8. An adjustable fastener as claimed in claim 6, wherein: said
female part has a bump adjacent each narrow portion.
9. An adjustable fastener as claimed in claim 4, wherein: said
center fold forms an angle of approximately 20 degrees.
10. An adjustable fastener as claimed in claim 1, wherein a
plurality of said male and female parts are provided.
11. An adjustable fastener for an article of clothing, said
fastener comprising: a) a male part having a base, a riser
extending from said base, and a flange extending from the riser;
and b) a female part having a plurality of spaced apart openings,
each opening having a broad portion and a narrow portion, wherein
said flange is dimensioned to pass through said broad portion but
not said narrow portion and said riser is dimensioned to slide into
said narrow portion, wherein said female part has a fold between
two of said spaced apart openings.
12. An adjustable fastener as claimed in claim 11, wherein: said
fold defines an angle of approximately 20 degrees.
13. An adjustable fastener as claimed in claim 11, wherein: said
female part consists of a single ply of plastic.
14. An adjustable fastener as claimed in claim 11, wherein: said
broad portion is substantially oblate circular in shape, and said
flange is substantially oblate circular in shape.
15. An adjustable fastener as claimed in claim 11, wherein: said
flange has an inner ramp.
16. An adjustable fastener as claimed in claim 11, wherein: said
flange has an inner nub.
17. An adjustable fastener as claimed in claim 16, wherein: said
female part has a groove adjacent each narrow portion.
18. An adjustable fastener as claimed in claim 16, wherein: said
female part has a bump adjacent each narrow portion.
19. An adjustable fastener as claimed in claim 11, wherein: a
plurality of said male and female parts are provided.
20. A brassiere, comprising: a left cup; a right cup coupled to
said left cup; a left back strap coupled to said left cup and
having a first free end; a right back strap coupled to said right
cup and having a second free end; an adjustable fastener having a)
a male part having a base, a riser extending from said base, and a
flange extending from the riser, said flange and said base having
substantially collinear center lines and said riser having a center
line which is laterally offset from said substantially collinear
center lines, said male part being coupled to one of said first and
second free ends; and b) a female part having a plurality of spaced
apart openings, each opening having a broad portion and a narrow
portion, wherein said flange is dimensioned to pass through said
broad portion but not said narrow portion and said riser is
dimensioned to slide into said narrow portion, said female part
being coupled to the other of said first and second free ends.
21. A brassiere according to claim 20, wherein: said male and
female parts are coupled to said free ends by stitching.
22. A brassiere according to claim 20, wherein: said male and
female parts are coupled to said free ends such that when the
brassiere is worn, said female part faces the back of the wearer
and said male part faces away from the back of the wearer.
23. A brassiere according to claim 20, wherein: said female part is
a single ply of plastic.
24. A brassiere according to claim 21, wherein: said base is a
single ply of plastic.
25. A brassiere, comprising: a left cup; a right cup coupled to
said left cup; a left back strap coupled to said left cup and
having a first free end; a right back strap coupled to said right
cup and having a second free end; an adjustable fastener having a)
a male part having a base, a riser extending from said base, and a
flange extending from the riser, said male part being coupled to
one of said first and second free ends; and b) a female part having
a plurality of spaced apart openings, each opening having a broad
portion and a narrow portion, wherein said flange is dimensioned to
pass through said broad portion but not said narrow portion and
said riser is dimensioned to slide into said narrow portion, said
female part being coupled to the other of said first and second
free ends, and wherein said female part has a fold between two of
said spaced apart openings.
26. A brassiere as claimed in claim 25, wherein: said fold defines
an angle of approximately 20 degrees.
27. A brassiere as claimed in claim 23, wherein: said female part
is arranged such that, when said brassiere is worn, said fold forms
a concavity that faces the wearer's back.
28. A brassiere as claimed in claim 25, wherein: a plurality of
said male parts are provided.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is related to co-owned U.S. Pat. No.
6,536,085, the complete disclosure of which is hereby incorporated
by reference herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The invention relates to fasteners for clothing. More
particularly, the invention relates to an adjustable fastener for a
brassiere or similar garment.
[0004] 2. State of the Art
[0005] Many articles of clothing are provided with adjustable
fasteners. In particular, brassieres are typically provided with an
adjustable fastener for connecting right and left center backs of
the garment. These fasteners usually include one or more hooks and
multiple eyelets spaced apart from each other so that the snugness
of the garment eye can be adjusted by mating the hook(s) with the
appropriate eyelet(s).
[0006] The known brassier fasteners have several disadvantages.
First, being located at the back of the garment, they are difficult
to manipulate. Second, the hooks and eyelets are typically made of
metal and feel uncomfortable pressing against the back of the
wearer. Third, the fastener is typically thicker than the garment
to which it is attached and is visible through outerwear as a
bump.
[0007] Many attempts have been made to provide a brassier fastener
which is easy to operate, comfortable to the wearer and less
visible. While these fasteners may solve some of the problems
described above, they typically do not solve all of the problems
and often introduce new problems. For example, in attempting to
overcome the problems described above, many brassier fasteners
sacrifice stability for comfort. This permits the fastener to
accidentally detach. Also, some fasteners which attempt to solve
the problem of visibility have actually increased the difficulty in
operation of the fastener.
[0008] The previously incorporated co-owned U.S. patent discloses
an adjustable fastener that includes a male part and a female part,
both of which are made of soft pliable, sewable plastic. The female
fastener part has three spaced apart openings. Each opening has a
broad portion and a narrow portion. The male fastener part has a
base with an upstanding riser with a flange at the end of the
riser. The flange is dimensioned to fit into the broad portion of
each opening in the female fastener part and the riser is
dimensioned to fit snugly into the narrow portion of each opening
in the female fastener part. The back side of the male fastener
part is provided with parallel grooves which enhance gripping when
releasing the fastener. Both of the fastener parts have a pair of
parallel flanges at one end between which the garment back end is
inserted and secured to the fastener part. The fastener parts thus
become extensions to the garment and are easily visible as such
unless covered with additional material. The fastener parts are
preferably attached to the garment's center backs or back straps so
that the openings in the female fastener part face the back of the
wearer and the riser and flange on the male fastener part face away
from the back of the wearer. The back of the female fastener part
is preferable covered with fabric and/or bears a trademark or a
design.
[0009] According to one embodiment, the flange on the male fastener
part is substantially circular and has a centrally located nub
rising from its surface. The broad portion of each opening in the
female fastener part is substantially circular and the narrow
portion of each opening in the female fastener part has a
nub-receiving well. This structure adds stability to the fastener,
preventing accidental unfastening.
[0010] According to another embodiment, the flange on the male
fastener part is substantially elliptical. The broad portion of
each opening in the female fastener part is substantially
elliptical and a pair of ears extend between the broad portion and
the narrow portion of each opening in the female fastener part.
This structure also adds stability to the fastener, preventing
accidental unfastening.
[0011] According to one method of manufacture, both parts are
injection molded and are fastened to brassier center backs by
sewing. According to another method of manufacture, the male
fastener part is injection molded, but the female fastener part is
made from a laminate structure which includes two outer layers and
two inner layers. The outer layers are made of a soft fabric
material and the inner layers are made of soft plastic. One of the
plastic layers has the openings as described and the other plastic
layer has thick portions which surround the openings in the other
plastic layer to create a space for receiving the male fastener
part. The plastic spacer is made by embossing a plastic sheet and
the outer fabric layers are made from a single layer which is
folded.
[0012] It has since been discovered that some of the features of
the fastener described in the previously incorporated patent are,
in fact, disadvantages. For example, the manner in which the
fastener parts are attached to the garment is relatively
complicated when it is desirable to make the fastener less visible.
In addition, while the fastener is made of soft plastic, its
presence is still detectable by the wearer on the wearer's back.
Furthermore, the overall size of the fastener parts is relatively
large making them more easily seen and felt.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide an,
adjustable fastener for clothing, in particular brassieres.
[0014] It is also an object of the invention to provide an
adjustable fastener which is easy to operate.
[0015] It is another object of the invention to provide an
adjustable fastener which is soft and comfortable.
[0016] It is still another object of the invention to provide an
adjustable fastener which is stable when fastened.
[0017] It is yet another object of the invention to provide an
adjustable fastener which is concealed when fastened.
[0018] In accord with these objects which will be discussed in
detail below, the adjustable fastener of the present invention
includes a male part and a female part, both of which are
preferably made of soft pliable, sewable plastic. The female
fastener part has at least one and preferably two or more spaced
apart openings. Each opening has a broad portion and a narrow
portion. The male fastener part has a base with an upstanding riser
with a flange at the end of the riser. The flange is dimensioned to
fit into the broad portion of each opening in the female fastener
part and the riser is dimensioned to fit snugly into the narrow
portion of each opening in the female fastener,part. The narrow
portion of each opening in the female fastener part is preferably
rectilinear in shape and the riser of the male fastener part is
also preferably rectilinear in section. Thus, when the riser is in
the narrow portion of an opening in the female fastener part,
rotation of the male fastener part relative to the female fastener
part is restricted.
[0019] The female fastener part is advantageously made of a single
thin wall which is sewn to the fabric of the garment. The base of
the male part is also advantageously made of a single thin wall
which is sewn to the fabric of the garment. The fastener parts are
preferably attached to the garment's center backs so that the
openings in the female fastener part face the back of the wearer
and the riser and flange on the male fastener part face away from
the back of the wearer. The back of the female fastener part is
covered by the garment and does not need to be covered with any
other fabric.
[0020] According to one aspect of the invention, the single wall
construction of the female fastener part makes it more flexible,
less easily seen, and not felt so much by the wearer. According to
another aspect of the invention, the female fastener part is
provided with a bend between the openings so that it lies flat
against the back when the male and female parts are coupled to the
tightest position. Without the bend, the free end of the female
part would rise up away from the back, calling attention to itself
from behind the fabric of a blouse.
[0021] According to another aspect of the invention, the center of
the riser of the male part is offset from the center of the flange.
This allows the flange to be made larger and the narrow portion of
each opening in the female part to be made smaller. Together these
features make the fastener assembly smaller but more stable.
[0022] According to a first alternate embodiment, the flange of the
male part is provided with a ramp which increases the frictional
engagement between the two parts. This is particularly useful for
swimwear and activewear with which a more secure coupling of the
fastener parts is desirable.
[0023] According to a second alternate embodiment the engaging
parts of the male and/or the female parts are provided with nubs
which increase the frictional engagement of the parts sufficiently
that they will not become disengaged while on a hanger in a retail
store, or in transit to the retail store.
[0024] According to a third alternate embodiment, the male part is
provided with a nub and the female part is provided with a bump
which the nub passes over when the parts engage. This increases the
stability of the fastener and provides a tactile snap or click when
the parts are coupled.
[0025] According to a fourth alternative embodiment, the male part
is provided with a nub and the female part is provided with a
groove which the nub seats in when the parts engage. This increases
the stability of the fastener and provides a tactile snap or click
when the parts are coupled.
[0026] Additional objects and advantages of the invention will
become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reference to the
detailed description taken in conjunction with the provided
figures.
[0027] Certain of the foregoing and related objects are also
attained according to the invention by the provision of an
adjustable fastener for an article of clothing, said fastener
comprising a) a male part having a base, a riser extending from
said base, and a flange extending from the riser, said flange and
said base having substantially collinear center lines and said
riser having a center line which is laterally offset from said
substantially collinear center lines; and b) a female part having a
plurality of spaced apart openings, each opening having a broad
portion and a narrow portion, wherein said flange is dimensioned to
pass through said broad portion but not said narrow portion and
said riser is dimensioned to slide into said narrow portion.
[0028] Preferably, said female part consists of a single ply of
plastic and/or has a center fold. Desirably, said center fold forms
an angle of approximately 20 degrees. Advantageously, said broad
portion is substantially oblate circular in shape, and said flange
is substantially oblate circular in shape and has an inner ramp.
Most advantageously, said flange has an inner nub and said female
part has a groove adjacent each narrow portion or a bump adjacent
each narrow portion. Most preferably, a plurality of said male and
female parts are provided.
[0029] In a preferred embodiment, an adjustable fastener for an
article of clothing comprises: a) a male part having a base, a
riser extending from said base, and a flange extending from the
riser; and b) a female part having a plurality of spaced apart
openings, each opening having a broad portion and a narrow portion,
wherein said flange is dimensioned to pass through said broad
portion but not said narrow portion and said riser is dimensioned
to slide into said narrow portion, where in said female part has a
fold between two of said spaced apart openings.
[0030] In another preferred embodiment, a brassiere, comprises: a
left cup; a right cup coupled to said left cup; a left back strap
coupled to said left cup and having a first free end; a right back
strap coupled to said right cup and having a second free end; an
adjustable fastener having a) a male part having a base, a riser
extending from said base, and a flange extending from the riser,
said flange and said base having substantially collinear center
lines and said riser having a center line which is laterally offset
from said substantially collinear center lines, said male part
being coupled to one of said first and second free ends; and b) a
female part having a plurality of spaced apart openings, each
opening having a broad portion and a narrow portion, wherein said
flange is dimensioned to pass through said broad portion but not
said narrow portion and said riser is dimensioned to slide into
said narrow portion, said female part being coupled to the other of
said first and second free ends.
[0031] Preferably, said male and female parts are coupled to said
free ends by stitching. Desirably, said male and female parts are
coupled to said free ends such that when the brassiere is worn,
said female part faces the back of the wearer and said male part
faces away from the back of the wearer. Most advantageously, said
female part is a single ply of plastic and said base is a single
ply of plastic.
[0032] In yet another embodiment, a brassiere, comprises: a left
cup; a right cup coupled to said left cup; a left back strap
coupled to said left cup and having a first free end; a right back
strap coupled to said right cup and having a second free end; an
adjustable fastener having a) a male part having a base, a riser
extending from said base, and a flange extending from the riser,
said male part being coupled to one of said first and second free
ends; and b) a female part having a plurality of spaced apart
openings, each opening having a broad portion and a narrow portion,
wherein said flange is dimensioned to pass through said broad
portion but not said narrow portion and said riser is dimensioned
to slide into said narrow portion, said female part being coupled
to the other of said first and second free ends, and wherein said
female part has a fold between two of said spaced apart
openings.
[0033] Preferably, said fold defines an angle of approximately 20
degrees. Advantageously, said female part is arranged such that,
when said brassiere is worn, said fold forms a concavity that faces
the wearer's back. Desirably, a plurality of said male parts are
provided.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0034] FIG. 1 is a perspective front view of an article of
clothing, i.e. a brassiere, incorporating a fastener according to
the invention;
[0035] FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of a first embodiment of a
male fastener part;
[0036] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the male fastener part of FIG.
2;
[0037] FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a first embodiment of a female
fastener part;
[0038] FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of the female fastener part
of FIG. 4;
[0039] FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view of the female fastener part of
FIGS. 4 and 5 coupled to the male fastener part of FIGS. 2 and
3;
[0040] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the
male fastener part coupled to the first embodiment of the female
fastener part;
[0041] FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of the first embodiment of
the male fastener part coupled to the first embodiment of the
female fastener part;
[0042] FIG. 9 is a side elevation view of a second embodiment of a
male fastener part;
[0043] FIG. 10 is a side elevation view of the second embodiment of
the male fastener part coupled to the first embodiment of the
female fastener part;
[0044] FIG. 11 is a side elevation view of a third embodiment of a
male fastener part;
[0045] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the second embodiment of
the female fastener part;
[0046] FIG. 13 is a side elevation view of the third embodiment of
the male fastener part coupled to the second embodiment of the
female fastener part;
[0047] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the third embodiment of the
female fastener part;
[0048] FIG. 15 is a side elevation view of the third embodiment of
the male fastener part coupled to the third embodiment of the
female fastener part;
[0049] FIG. 16 is a plan view of a fourth embodiment of the male
and female fasteners parts; and
[0050] FIG. 17 is a plan view of a fifth embodiment of the male and
female fasteners parts.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0051] Turning now to FIG. 1, a brassiere 1 is shown with an
adjustable fastener according to the invention. The brassiere 1
includes left and right cups 2, 3. Left and right back straps 4, 5
extend horizontally from the cups 2, 3. Left and right shoulder
straps 6 and 7 extend vertically upward from the cups 2, 3 and
extend down to the back straps 4, 5. The fastener of the present
invention includes a male part 10 and a female part 12. As seen in
FIG. 1, the parts are sewed directly to the fabric of the back
straps 4, 5 and the openings in the female fastener part 12 face
the back of the wearer and the male fastener part 10 faces away
from the back of the wearer. Due to the fact that the female
fastener overlies the end portion of the bra strap, rather than
extending from it as in the '085 patent, the back of the female
fastener part (not shown) is covered by the garment and does not
need to be covered with any other fabric.
[0052] FIGS. 2-8 illustrate a first embodiment of the fastener in
more detail. The male fastener part 10 has a base 14 with an
upstanding riser 16 with a flange 18 at the end of the riser 16. As
seen best in FIG. 2, the base 14 and the flange 18 share a
collinear centerline 20. The riser 16 has a centerline 22 which is
offset from the centerline 20. This allows more area of the flange
to engage the surface of female fastener part 12 as seen in FIGS.
6-8.
[0053] Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, the female fastener part 12
has at least one and preferably two or more spaced apart openings
24, 26. Each opening has a broad portion 24a, 26a and a narrow
portion 24b, 26b. The broad portion 24a, 26a has the shape of an
oblate circle and as can be see from FIGS. 3 and 6, the flange 18
of the male fastener part 10 also has the shape of an oblate
circle. According to the presently preferred embodiments, the
fastener parts have the following approximate dimensions: The
flange 18 of the male fastener part 10 is dimensioned at 0.357 inch
by 0.271 inch. The thickness of the base. 14 and the thickness of
the flange 18 is 0.047 inch which is also the height of the riser
16. The base 14 has overall dimensions of 1 inch by 0.6 inch. The
openings 24, 26 of the female fastener part 12 are dimensioned at
0.392 inch by 0.335 inch (includes both the broad and the narrow
portion). The width of the narrow portion 24b, 26b is 0.1875 inch
and the width of the riser 16 of the male fastener part 10 is
0.187. The space between the edges of the openings 24, 26 is 0.415
inch and the overall dimensions of the female fastener part is 1
inch by 1.687 inches. As seen best in FIG. 5, the female fastener
part 12 has a bend 28 at its center that forms an angle [alpha] of
approximately 20 degrees. As shown in FIG. 1, the female fastener
part 12 is attached to the garment so that the bend forms a
concavity that faces the back of the wearer. The bend between
causes the female fastener part 12 to lie flat against the back
when the male and female parts are coupled to the tightest
position. Without the bend, the free end of the female part would
rise up away from the back, calling attention to itself from behind
the fabric of a blouse.
[0054] FIGS. 9 and 10 show a first alternate embodiment of the
invention which utilizes the same female part 12 and a slightly
modified male part 110. The male fastener part 110 has a base 114
and a riser 116 which are substantially identical to the base 14
and riser 16 of the part 10. The flange 118, however, is provided
with a wedge-shaped ramp 119 which increases the frictional
engagement between the two parts 12 and 110 as shown in FIG. 10.
This is particularly useful for swimwear and activewear with which
a more secure coupling of the fastener parts is desirable.
[0055] FIGS. 11-13 illustrate a second alternate embodiment where
both the male fastener part 210 and the female fastener part 112
have been modified. The male fastener part 210 has a base 214 and a
riser 216 which are substantially identical to the base 14 and
riser 16 described above. According to this embodiment, the flange
218 is provided with a nub 219. As shown in FIG. 12, the female
part 112 is provided with two bumps 125, 127, each arranged
adjacent to the narrow part 124b, 126b of the respective openings
124, 126. Though the bump's 125, 127 have been illustrated as
having substantially the same or greater width as the openings
124a, 126a, they could be made narrower and be more in the nature
of a nub. This type of arrangement increases the frictional
engagement of the parts sufficiently that they will not become
disengaged while on a hanger in a retail store, or in transit to
the retail store. As the parts are coupled, the nub 219 passes over
the bump 125 or 127. This also provides a tactile snap or click
when the parts are coupled.
[0056] FIGS. 14 and 15 illustrate a third alternate embodiment. In
this embodiment, the male fastener part 210 is the same as in the
previous embodiment. According to this embodiment, the female
fastener part 212 is provided with two grooves 225, 227 each
arranged adjacent to the narrow part 224b, 226b of the respective
openings 224, 226. The grooves are preferably as wide as the
openings 224a, 226a, but at least as wide as the nub 219 on the
flange 218 of the male part 210. When the parts are coupled
together, the nub 219 snaps into the groove 225 or 227 This
increases the stability of the fastener and provides a tactile snap
or click when the parts are coupled.
[0057] FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrate other possible arrangements
employing multiple male and female fastener parts. FIG. 16
illustrates a male fastener 314 having two side-by-side flanges 318
which are intended to mate with either of two sets of similarly
arranged, paired openings 324 or 326 respectively. This "double"
fastening arrangement is particularly suitable to provide added
support and fastening power for a full figure bra or sports
bra.
[0058] Similarly, FIG. 17 illustrates a comparable embodiment
having a male fastener 414 with two, spaced-apart flanges 418
arranged serially relative to the similarly arranged female
fastener 412 having three serially-spaced apart openings 424, 426,
and 428; the two male flanges would be coupled to either openings
424 and 426 or 426 and 428, respectively. This embodiment would
also be suitable for a sports bra so as to provide better support
and fastening power. Of course, other configurations of multiple
fasteners are possible and may vary in number to suit a particular
application.
[0059] There have been described and illustrated herein several
embodiments of an adjustable fastener for clothing, especially
brassieres. While particular embodiments of the invention have been
described, it is not intended that the invention be limited
thereto, as it is intended that the invention be as broad in scope
as the art will allow and that the specification be read likewise.
For example, although the fasteners are preferably made of a
suitable plastic which may be attached to the garment ends by
sewing, other fastening methods such as ultrasonic welding may be
possible. Moreover, while the fasteners are especially intended for
use with brassieres, they may be suitable as fasteners for other
clothing items. It will therefore be appreciated by those skilled
in the art that yet other modifications could be made to the
provided invention without deviating from its spirit and scope as
claimed.
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